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Soares S, Serralha F, Paz MC, Carriço N, Galatanu SV. Unveiling the data: An analysis of plastic waste with emphasis on the countries of the E³UDRES 2 alliance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28375. [PMID: 38560229 PMCID: PMC10979095 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper offers an examination of the current plastic waste landscape, with emphasis on the nine countries of the European University Alliance E³UDRES2, based on both the literature and official numbers, to verify the alignment of practical waste management practices with scientific tendencies and advancements. The paper includes a bibliometric analysis focusing on the overall plastic waste literature and the plastic waste literature of the E³UDRES2 countries. Additionally, a mass balance was calculated regarding the domestic waste management of each of the alliance countries in 2021. The main goal is to assess how scientific research in the field of plastic waste management is being implemented in practice, particularly in the context of the E³UDRES2 countries. Bibliometric results reveal significant growth in publications since 2006, with China, the USA, and India leading. Key themes reveal evident clusters around behavior and technology, encompassing both the properties of plastics and societal attitudes toward waste management policy measures. Mass balance results reveal that, in the nine countries of the alliance, Latvia and Finland exhibited high plastic recycling rates (85% and 49%, respectively), and Germany, despite its high population, generated less waste per capita and incinerated 64% of its plastic waste. Despite progress, the results highlight ongoing challenges in implementing comprehensive circular economy-focused policies for waste management in Europe yet reveal a growing commitment to improving waste treatment systems, leading to lower environmental impacts of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Soares
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (Polytechnic University of Setúbal), Barreiro School of Technology, Rua Américo da Silva Marinho, 2839-001, Lavradio, Portugal
| | - Fátima Serralha
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (Polytechnic University of Setúbal), Barreiro School of Technology, Rua Américo da Silva Marinho, 2839-001, Lavradio, Portugal
| | - Maria Catarina Paz
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (Polytechnic University of Setúbal), Barreiro School of Technology, Rua Américo da Silva Marinho, 2839-001, Lavradio, Portugal
| | - Nelson Carriço
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (Polytechnic University of Setúbal), Barreiro School of Technology, Rua Américo da Silva Marinho, 2839-001, Lavradio, Portugal
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Cantalapiedra F, Juan-García A, Juan C. Perception of Food Safety Associated with Entomophagy among Higher-Education Students: Exploring Insects as a Novel Food Source. Foods 2023; 12:4427. [PMID: 38137231 PMCID: PMC10743155 DOI: 10.3390/foods12244427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects can diversify diets, improve livelihoods, contribute to food and nutrition security, and have a smaller ecological impact. The European Union has categorized insects as novel food, and recently, in 2021 and 2022, two species, Tenebrio molitor and Acheta domesticus, were authorized for commercialization. The acceptance and perception of food risk derived from insect consumption vary depending on factors impacting insect consumption acceptability, including neophobic tendencies, gender differences, familiarity, and gastronomic perceptions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the perception and acceptance of edible insects by exploring these factors. This study was carried out on higher-education students from universities in Valencia (Spain). The students recognized insects' high nutritional value, particularly protein content, and had varying levels of knowledge about specific nutritional components. In terms of labeling and marketing, removing health and sustainability benefits from packaging can improve consumer responses. Most respondents prefer clear labeling of insect derivatives, quality certification seals, and complete information about insect content. Students consider marketing and knowledge to be significant influencers of insect consumption. In summary, this text highlights the multifaceted nature of insect consumption acceptability. These insights offer valuable perspectives on insect consumption dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cantalapiedra
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (F.C.); (C.J.)
- Veterinary Area of Public Health Center (CSP) Manises (Conselleria Sanitat-Generalitat Valenciana), C. Ceramista Alfons Blat s/n, Manises, 46940 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Juan-García
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (F.C.); (C.J.)
| | - Cristina Juan
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (F.C.); (C.J.)
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El Bilali H, Berjan S, Ben Hassen T, Memon JA, Vaško Ž, Allahyari MS. Research on food loss and waste in the Western Balkans: A systematic review. Front Nutr 2022; 9:983639. [PMID: 36211507 PMCID: PMC9533125 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.983639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Food losses and waste (FLW) is considered a critical issue in the ongoing debate on the sustainability of agri-food systems. However, the scholarly literature on FLW is still geographically-biased, with more attention devoted to developed countries, even in Europe. In this context, this article analyses the state of research on FLW in the Western Balkan region (viz. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). A search performed in October 2021 on the Web of Science database returned 34 documents, and 21 eligible ones were included in the systematic review. The topical analysis of the literature addressed causes of FLW, stages of the food supply chain, extent and magnitude of FLW, FLW and food security, economic and environmental impacts of FLW, and food waste (FW) management strategies. A central finding was the scarcity of data on FW in the Western Balkans. Moreover, the literature focused on FW at the consumer level, while food loss at other stages of the food chain was generally overlooked. There is a lack of comprehensive analyses of the economic and environmental impacts of FLW as well as its implications in terms of food and nutrition security. The quantification of FLW is generally inaccurate and based on estimates and self-reported data. The literature focuses on FW reuse and recycling (e.g., energy, compost) while other management strategies (e.g., reduction/prevention, redistribution) are rarely addressed. However, the results indicated that consumers in the Western Balkans pay attention to the FW issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is an encouraging sign that can be exploited in awareness-raising campaigns and education activities. Meanwhile, research on FLW in the Western Balkans is highly needed to fill the identified knowledge gap and provide evidence to policies dealing with the transition to sustainable food systems in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Bari, Italy
| | - Sinisa Berjan
- Department of Agroeconomy and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of East Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Tarek Ben Hassen
| | - Junaid Alam Memon
- Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, Institute of Business Administration, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Željko Vaško
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mohammad S. Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
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Abstract
In the food sector, new configurations of supply chains, as opposed to global conventional ones, are drawing the attention of researchers and institutions all over the world. These are presented as a panacea for the recovery of rural economies and, in general, of food system sustainability. In this context the short food supply chains (SFSCs) become relevant, as happens in Europe, where strategies and regulations designed on their implementation were adopted. Recognising that scientific research always plays an important role in guiding institutions’ choices in many fields, it seems important to focus on how SFSCs are considered in the European academic panorama. Therefore, this contribution presents a study performed on a sample of 108 papers published in journals during the last decade. The findings concerning the investigated issues and the approaches to analysing SFSC development and effects are reported from both the producer and consumer perspective. The review strongly emphasizes the factors affecting participation in SFSCs. Moreover, it highlights that the positive perception of SFSC sustainability is not based on scientific evidence. The analysis outlines current research directions and identifies challenges that are still open in order to offer researchers food for thought with a view to developing further future insights.
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Evolutionary Wheat Populations in High-Quality Breadmaking as a Tool to Preserve Agri-Food Biodiversity. Foods 2022; 11:foods11040495. [PMID: 35205972 PMCID: PMC8871435 DOI: 10.3390/foods11040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant biodiversity preservation is one of the most important priorities of today’s agriculture. Wheat (Triticum spp. L.) is widely cultivated worldwide, mostly under a conventional and monovarietal farming method, leading to progressive biodiversity erosion. On the contrary, the evolutionary population (EP) cultivation technique is characterized by mixing and sowing together as many wheat genotypes as possible to allow the crop to genetically adapt over the years in relation to specific pedoclimatic conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional, chemical and sensory qualities of three different breads obtained using different organic EP flours, produced following a traditional sourdough process and compared to a commercial wheat cultivar bread. Technological parameters, B-complex vitamins, microelements, dietary fibre and phenolic acids were determined in raw materials and final products. Flours obtained by EPs showed similar characteristics to the commercial wheat cultivar flour. However, significant differences on grain technological quality were found. The breads were comparable with respect to chemical and nutritional qualities. Overall, the sensory panellists rated the tasted breads positively assigning the highest score to those produced with EPs flours (6.75–7.02) as compared to commercial wheat cultivar-produced bread (cv. Bologna, 6.36).
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Guiné RPF, Florença SG, Costa CA, Correia PMR, Ferreira M, Duarte J, Cardoso AP, Campos S, Anjos O. Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge and Perceptions about Edible Insects. INSECTS 2021; 13:insects13010047. [PMID: 35055890 PMCID: PMC8780915 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Edible insects (EI) have been consumed as traditional foods in many parts of the globe, but in other regions, they are not readily accepted, particularly in Western countries. However, because EI are suggested to constitute a more sustainable protein food as compared with other sources of animal protein, they can be considered a future food that could help mitigate hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, new gastronomic trends are already targeting this area for exploring new potentialities. The objective of this work was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess consumers’ perceptions and knowledge about EI in seven different domains: D1. Culture and Tradition, D2. Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen, D3. Environment and Sustainability, D4. Economic and Social Aspects, D5. Commercialization and Marketing, D6. Nutritional Aspects and D7. Health Effects. The 64 items were subjected to item analysis and reliability analysis for validation, and factor analysis was also conducted to identify a grouping structure. The results validated all the items of the seven subscales with high values of Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.732 for D1, α = 0.795 for D2, α = 0.882 for D3, α = 0.742 for D4, α = 0.675 for D5, α = 0.799 for D6 and α = 0.788 for D7). However, by eliminating 17 items, the final values of the alpha increased in all subscales. Factor analysis with extraction by principal component analysis with varimax rotation extracted 14 factors that explained, in total, 65% of the variance, although the first two factors were the most important (35.7% variance explained). In conclusion, the confirmed usefulness of the questionnaire has been hereby validated for assessing consumer perceptions of and knowledge about EI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel P. F. Guiné
- CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sofia G. Florença
- Faculty of Food and Nutrition Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Cristina A. Costa
- CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Paula M. R. Correia
- CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (C.A.C.); (P.M.R.C.)
| | - Manuela Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.D.)
| | - João Duarte
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.F.); (J.D.)
| | - Ana P. Cardoso
- CIDEI—Centre for Studies in Education and Innovation, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (A.P.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Sofia Campos
- CIDEI—Centre for Studies in Education and Innovation, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (A.P.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ofélia Anjos
- School of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Biotecnologia de Plantas da Beira Interior, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal
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An Insight into the Level of Information about Sustainability of Edible Insects in a Traditionally Non-Insect-Eating Country: Exploratory Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132112014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Insects have been reported as a possible alternative solution to help feed the growing world population with less stress on the planet, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment and natural ecosystems. However, the consumption of edible insects (EIs), although culturally accepted for some communities, is not readily accepted for others. Hence this work explores the level of information that people in a traditionally non-insect-eating country have about the sustainability issues related with EIs, and also some possible reasons that could motivate their consumption. The study was based on a questionnaire survey and the results were explored by descriptive statistic tools, tree classification analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the level of information is still low in general, with most people not manifesting an opinion. However, some aspects are relatively familiar to the participants (88.9% know that the ecological footprint of insects is smaller than other meats and 86.9% know that they efficiently convert organic matter into protein). Factor and cluster analysis showed three classes: cluster 1—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements and also not able to distinguish the false information; cluster 2—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were able to distinguish the false information; and cluster 3—people well informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were marginally unable to distinguish the false information. It was also found that education, sex and professional area are the most relevant sociodemographic factors associated with the level of information, and the highest motivations to consume EIs are their contribution to preserve the environment and natural resources followed by being a more sustainable option (for 64.7% and 53.4% of participants, respectively). Hence it was concluded that, although some work still needs to be done to better inform people about EIs, there is already some conscientiousness that they constitute a good and more sustainable alternative to other types of meat.
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Plastic Food Packaging: Perceptions and Attitudes of Portuguese Consumers about Environmental Impact and Recycling. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of plastics for packaging has some advantages, since they are flexible and inexpensive. However, most plastics are of single use, which, combined with low recycling or reuse ratios, contributes substantially to environmental pollution. This work is part of a project studying the habits of Portuguese citizens concerning plastic food packaging and focuses on aspects related to sustainability. The survey was carried out via an online questionnaire about sustainability, recycling, and knowledge of the effects of plastic materials or their residues on the environment. The results were obtained based on a statistical analysis of the data. The participants tend to think about the negative impact of plastic packages on the environment; 39% sometimes do not buy plastic; and 30% try to look for alternatives. A substantial fraction, 81%, support the avoidance of plastic utensils and reduction in the use of plastic bags. Most participants have a good knowledge of recycling and strongly agree with the use of recycled materials, and 87% of respondents practice separation of different types of waste for recycling. Changing plastic consumption habits has not been an easy task. Nevertheless, it is expected that society will increasingly move toward sustainable habits, questioning its actions and considering their impact on the environment.
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Delgado A, Issaoui M, Vieira MC, Saraiva de Carvalho I, Fardet A. Food Composition Databases: Does It Matter to Human Health? Nutrients 2021; 13:2816. [PMID: 34444976 PMCID: PMC8399939 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Food provides humans with more than just energy and nutrients, addressing both vital needs and pleasure. Food habits are determined by a wide range of factors, from sensorial stimuli to beliefs and, once commanded by local and seasonal availability, are nowadays driven by marketing campaigns promoting unhealthy and non-sustainable foodstuffs. Top-down and bottom-up changes are transforming food systems, driven by policies on SDGs and by consumer's concerns about environmental and health impacts. Food quality, in terms of taste, safety, and nutritional value, is determined by its composition, described in food composition databases (FDBs). FDBs are then useful resources to agronomists, food and mechanical engineers, nutritionists, marketers, and others in their efforts to address at maximum human nutrient needs. In this work, we analyse some relevant food composition databases (viz., purpose, type of data, ease of access, regularity of updates), inspecting information on the health and environmental nexus, such as food origin, production mode as well as nutritional quality. The usefulness and limitations of food databases are discussed regarding what concerns sustainable diets, the food 'matrix effect', missing compounds, safe processing, and in guiding innovation in foods, as well as in shaping consumers' perceptions and food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélia Delgado
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (M.C.V.); (I.S.d.C.)
| | - Manel Issaoui
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology of Sidi Bouzid, University of Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid 9100, Tunisia;
| | - Margarida C. Vieira
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (M.C.V.); (I.S.d.C.)
- Department of Food Engineering, Superior Institute of Engineering, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Saraiva de Carvalho
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (M.C.V.); (I.S.d.C.)
- FSLab—Food Science Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Anthony Fardet
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Route de Theix, 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France;
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